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Looking for thoughts and/or comments on this 1968 327 coupe. Thinking of possibly looking at it but don't want to waste my time. I realize it is not a numbers matching (can not be verified) and is highly customized. I am curious on thoughts on pricing, items that were added/changed, and the overall looks of the car. I understand there are MANY aftermarket modifications (side pipes, intake, carb, air cleaner, missing distributor shields, new wires, originally a AC car?) and many other items. The rear end seems to sit high as well with the replacement spring which is worrisome. Interested to see thoughts! Thank you!
I saw it 6 months ago, backup lights are wrong should not be in the 2 upper center lens ,should be below the bumper on a 68, looks like the lower panel had been changed .
I’m coming at this from a non-expert perspective; I’m not a “wrencher,” and have loved C3s my entire life. You know the car’s mods, and others here have pointed out some of the issues, and of course this is assuming it mechanically checks out, has no rust etc. These are all a given, and so I won’t elaborate on all of the mechanical, structural, electrical etc. things you need to check out. The experts here can chime in, and there’s a very exhaustive list for things to look for on cars this age, the one-year-only ‘68 parts etc.
Given the modifications etc. this isn’t a car I’d buy sight unseen. You need to drive it and see if you like the way it drives/handles, how the paint presents (it always appears better in photos than in person), etc. Dealer prices tend to be higher than private party prices. The non-working heater and wiper hatch would bug me, but if they don’t bother you those are definitely points for negotiation. I assume that’s a tach on the steering wheel; does the original tach work? What does the trim tag say about the original color and interior? I would also price out what it will cost to fix the broken things, and figure out why they don’t work right now, i.e. easy fixes or something deeper and more $$.
If you drive it and like it the way it is, and are looking for a car to drive on the weekends, does this check all of your boxes? I definitely wouldn’t pay list for it, but if they negotiate the price to under $30k, that makes this very tempting. Given that it doesn’t have an original engine, has non-working parts, has mods, etc. the $25k range seems appropriate.
It is presently overpriced, but not as ridiculously priced as I’ve seen with some cars at dealers. If, however, you’re looking for the “best” small block 4-speed chrome bumper coupe under $40k, or a very specific car (as I was), there are more original exemplars in that price range.
This isn’t a “collector car” (mine isn’t, either). From a non-expert (which is the rest of the world, outside the Corvette world), this looks like a very nice, clean car. Some cars are hard passes, and aren’t worth the time to see them. I think that this one is definitely worth a look (and a drive).
Good luck!
Last edited by Coronette; Mar 17, 2023 at 02:06 PM.
way over priced. its appears to be a nice car that someone put some money into. nothing under the hood is remotely original. also it looks like someone made the rear spoiler/lip taller?
yes looks like an AC car with the compressor missing.
also something that bugs the hell out of me- what is with the fake rear exhaust tips. car has side pipes and clearly no under car exhaust, whats with the tips?
i wouldnt even bother looking at the car at that price. I dont think they would come down in the realm of realistic.
I saw it 6 months ago, backup lights are wrong should not be in the 2 upper center lens ,should be below the bumper on a 68, looks like the lower panel had been changed .
I noticed that as well. Seems as if the rear lights were glassed in and not under the bumper. Seems as they integrated them in the center reverse lights. Thanks for your comment! What did you think when you saw it?
Originally Posted by MelWff
Way overpriced. Complete spare tire assembly missing. How old are the tires? Wiper door actuator missing rubber diaphragm.
Yes, it is missing. That is very noticeable! I was thinking it is a vacuum issue or something related to that for why the wiper door was not working. Very strange seems like it could be an easy fix/troubleshooting.
Originally Posted by Coronette
I’m coming at this from a non-expert perspective; I’m not a “wrencher,” and have loved C3s my entire life. You know the car’s mods, and others here have pointed out some of the issues, and of course this is assuming it mechanically checks out, has no rust etc. These are all a given, and so I won’t elaborate on all of the mechanical, structural, electrical etc. things you need to check out. The experts here can chime in, and there’s a very exhaustive list for things to look for on cars this age, the one-year-only ‘68 parts etc.
Given the modifications etc. this isn’t a car I’d buy sight unseen. You need to drive it and see if you like the way it drives/handles, how the paint presents (it always appears better in photos than in person), etc. Dealer prices tend to be higher than private party prices. The non-working heater and wiper hatch would bug me, but if they don’t bother you those are definitely points for negotiation. I assume that’s a tach on the steering wheel; does the original tach work? What does the trim tag say about the original color and interior? I would also price out what it will cost to fix the broken things, and figure out why they don’t work right now, i.e. easy fixes or something deeper and more $$.
If you drive it and like it the way it is, and are looking for a car to drive on the weekends, does this check all of your boxes? I definitely wouldn’t pay list for it, but if they negotiate the price to under $30k, that makes this very tempting.
It is presently overpriced, but not as ridiculously priced as I’ve seen with some cars at dealers. If, however, you’re looking for the “best” small block 4-speed chrome bumper coupe under $40k, or a very specific car (as I was), there are more original exemplars in that price range.
In general (there are always exceptions, e.g. you know the seller, or come across an extraordinary deal), 4-speed small block decent, running condition chrome bumper C3 coupes aren’t $20k any more. Small block coupes are more or less $28-35k; their price is somewhat capped because for more $ one can get a big block. As this has modifications, things that don’t work, doesn’t have an original engine, etc. my WAG is that the “correct” price is under $30k; but, this isn’t a $15k car, either.
This isn’t a “collector car” (mine isn’t, either). From a non-expert (which is the rest of the world, outside the Corvette world), this looks like a very nice, clean car. Some cars are hard passes, and aren’t worth the time to see them. I think that this one is definitely worth a look (and a drive).
Good luck!
Thanks for your detailed comment! I saw it online a couple weeks ago and I kept going back to it. I kind of agree on what you said regarding this vette. There are some definite things that are strange or put together differently than original. The trim tag is originally blue but repainted red. I personally like the red but that doesn't mean it was done correct or a proper paint job. I appreciate your educated response! I thought the tach on the steering wheel is another example of something strange I couldn't quite understand why that is there and not using the original tach. Thanks again!
way over priced. its appears to be a nice car that someone put some money into. nothing under the hood is remotely original. also it looks like someone made the rear spoiler/lip taller?
yes looks like an AC car with the compressor missing.
also something that bugs the hell out of me- what is with the fake rear exhaust tips. car has side pipes and clearly no under car exhaust, whats with the tips?
i wouldnt even bother looking at the car at that price. I dont think they would come down in the realm of realistic.
Not sure about the spoiler but now that you mention it it does look a bit larger, doesn't it? The exhaust tips bugged me also but I thought that could be something I can easily take off. No clue why you would put side pipes on the car and then keep the exhaust tips. I don't have an explanation for that either haha. Thanks for your reply!
There's a lot to like about this car, and a lot not to like/weird.
Likes: looks like pretty good paint; from the pics we can see, it looks like the cage/frame are likely solid; nice interior.
Not to like/weird: The price; 4 exhaust outlets?; I like side exhaust but not available in '68 if that matters to you; not an original '68 rear valance; sits high because the rear suspension has been modified; looks like rear spoiler has been modified (how was it done, what's under there?); can't verify original engine (not a big deal, except it shouldn't be priced as though it was); why does it have a '69+ map pocket? ('68's didn't have one); did I mention the price?
Bottom line to me: if that price range is okay with you, there are definitely better examples of bumper cars for that money. Best, Paul
It appears to me that someone wanted to change the whole exterior appearance to a 69. 69 Tail lights and back-up lights. Yellow front side marker lights that I like instead of the across the board in 68 clear marker lights. The antennae base is a 69-up also. Why add the 69 map pouch, but eliminate the 68 only interior sail panel lights? Surprised that it does not have 69 interior door panels. Lou.
I agree way over priced & I you could do much better. This car seems to be a Frankenstein that in the long run you will probably be throwing a lot of money into. Just be patient there are a lot of nice ones out there and one will come along when you least expect it. I'd stay away from dealers and look to our members for your bumper car.
Thanks everyone for the responses. It seems like my thoughts lie in the same thoughts as yours. I currently have a 79 L82 4 speed that I love and have had the past 5 years but this 68 has caught my attention a few times. There are many modifications done to it that are quite different. Appreciate your responses! Here my 79 L82...
Thoughts on this '68
